Break-out bar for drilling rigs



Dec. 29, 1964 T. R. WENDELL BREAK-OUT BAR FOR DRILLING RIGs 2 Sheets-Sheet 1 Filed Feb. 6, 1962 INVENTOR.

www* HM@ Dea 29, 1964 T. R. wl-:NDELL BREAK-OUT BAR FOR DRILLING RIGs 2 Sheets-Sheet 2 Filed Feb. 6, 1962 Travis Wende/l lNr/ENTOR.

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United States Patent O 3,162,939 BREAK-GUT BAR FR DRILLWG Riti-S Travis R. Wendell, R0. Box 668, Rockport, Tex. Filed Feb. 6, 1962, Ser. No. 171,461 12 Claims. (Cl. Z-Z

This invention comprises a novel and useful break-out bar for drilling rigs and more particularly pertains to a clamp for selectively holding against rotation and supporting a string of pipe to permit the addition of or removal of pipe sections therefrom and to lower the pipe into a bore.

The primary purpose of this invention is to provide a clamping device for gripping and supporting a string of pipe during the adding of or removal of some pipe sections therefrom.

A further object of the invention is to provide a breakouttool especially adapted for gripping and holding pipe of the thin walled type commonly employed for drilling shot holes for seismic and geophysical exploration.

A further object of the invention is to provide a device in accordance with the foregoing objects which will enable the applying of an adjustable tension on the pipe being gripped and held by the device.

A further object of the invention is to provide a device in accordance with the foregoing objects which shall include guide means to facilitate a lifting or lowering of the pipe' being held by the implement.

A still further object of the invention is to provide a device in accordance with the immediately preceding object which shall include guide sleeves movably mounted on the opposite ends of the break-out bar to impart a guided action thereto.

And a final important object of the invention to be specifically enumerated herein resides in the revision of a clamping tool in accordance with the foregoing objects which shall incorporate therein a quick acting locking Ameans for clamping the tool upon a pipe or releasing it therefrom.

These together with other objects and advantages which will become subsequently apparent reside in the details of construction and operation as more fully hereinafter described and claimed, reference being had to the accompanying drawings forming a part hereof, wherein like numerals refer to like parts throughout, and in which:

FIGURE 1 is a perspective View showing a preferred embodiment of the break-out tool in accordance with this invention the same being shown mounted; over the drilling slot of an off shore drilling barge for supporting a pipe or casing string therethrough;

FIGURE 2 is a view in top plan of the tool, a portion of the clamping device being shown in section, the movable jaw being shown in its open position in dotted lines therein;

FIGURE 3 isa vertical'transverse sectional view taken substantially upon the plane indicated by the'section line 3-3 of FIGUREv 2 and showing certain details of the locking means of the device, the latter being shown in full lines in its locked position and in dotted lines in its released position;

FIGURE 4 is a detail view in vertical transverse section taken substantially upon the plane indicated by the section line 4-4 of FIGURE 2 and showing in phantom the manner in which a pipe section is held in the tool; and z y lzig Patented ec. 29, 1964 ice FIGURE 5 is a detail view in vertical longitudinal section taken upon an enlarged scale substantially upon the plane indicated by the section line 5 5 of FIGURE l and showing one of the guide means forming a part of the invention.

In the accompanying drawings, the break-out tool forming the subject matter of this invention is indicated generally by the numeral l0 and in FIGURE l is shown in operative position for holding a section l2 of a pipe or casing string as the latter is being manipulated through the drilling slot 14 of an off shore drilling barge 15. It will be appreciated, however, that the tool is useful in various other environments and drilling rigs.

As disclosed in these drawings and as set forth hereinafter, the break-out bar forming the subject matter of this invention is specifically adapted for the handling of thin walled pipes such as those commonly employed in the drilling of shot'holes for seismic and geophysical operations. An important feature of the tool for this purposey is that it will securely grip with a variable and adjustable tension a thin walled pipe without danger of crushing or collapsing the same, thus performing functions which could not be effectively performed by conventional tongs or similar tools. However, certain features of the tool are adapted for use with strings of conventional pipe.

Referring now primarily to FIGURES l and 2 it will be observed that the tool 1t) comprises an elongated bar having a central portion 20 of an arcuate configura-A tion provided with a recess 22 which constitutes the fixed jaw of the break-out tool or clamping device. The opposite ends of the bar forming the main body of the tool terminate in elongated extremities 24 and 26 disposed in alignment with each other. Secured to the extremity 26 is a projecting rod 28 and the rod 2S and the extremity 24 constitute arms for supporting and maneuvering the implement as set forth hereinafter." As observedl in FIGURE 2, the rod 2S is-secured to the plate-like extremity 26 as by welding ory the like 30. A pair of transverse angle members 32 and 34 are secured as by welding to the end portions 24 and 26, respectively, of the tool in order to" support the latter in spaced relation to a support surface such as a deck of the barge as shown in FIGURE 1. Y

Cooperating with the fixed jaw formed by the central portion 2li of the elongated bar-is a movable jaw 4i) hingedly connected to the bar as by a pivot pin 42. The movable jaw is likewise provided with a concave portion 44 which is complementary to the portion 22 for gripping a pipe section l2 therebetween. At its extremity the movable jaw 40 is provided wit-h an elongated end portion such as that indicated at 46 which comprises a handle and is disposed generally parallel to the arm Z4. At its outward extremity, the handle 4d is provided with a laterally offset portion 48. As will be observed from FlGURE 2, the offset portion 4S at its junction with the handle 46 is slidably supported upon the cross member 34, being supported by a vertical flange Sil thereof in the same manner as the extremity of the portion 26.

A locking means is provided for effecting an adjustable lock. This locking means consists of a locking lever 52 having a bifurcated extremity 54 which is hingedly mounted as by pivot pins S6 to lugs 58 provided upon the arm 24. Thus, the lever 52 is mounted for swinging movement transversely of the longitudinal axis of portion 48.

.fa-leases the tool, Vand towards and from the portion 4S. Intermediate its ends, the .bifurcated portions 54? are provided with a'transverse pivot pin 60 upon which is journaled one end of a connecting linkol The other .end of the latter has an eye 64 which loosely embraces a pivot pin '66 which is perpendicular to the pin 6b andwhich pin 66, as shown in FlIGURE 3, extends between the opposite sides of the U-shaped clamp de whichV comprises aclp. The link preferably comprises a pair of sections connectedby a' knuckle joint 63'as shown in VFIG- URESf 1v and 2. As will be observedtl1e clip d8 loose-Y ly straddles and receives therethrough thegoset portion 48 of the handle 46; A thumb screw 7l) threadedly engagedinthe web 72 of the clip 65 engages the oiset The arrangement is such that when Vthe clamp is swung between the full' and dotted line position shown in FIGURE 3 it will be moved from its locking position to its releasing position.l By adjustment oiv the screw 70, Lany desired tension may be imparted to the handle and the arm to vary the tension with which ablyreceivev guide wires or guy `wires 8S which constitute stationary guide elements and may form apart Vot the drilling rig. .f v

The arrangement is such that'by means of the guide members 8l) ythe tool is retained-by the guide wires 33 for sliding movement thereon. The tool when'cla'mped lupon the pipe section will serve as a guide for the latter during the raising Aor lowering of Vthe string or pipe l2.

The liXed and movable jaws of the tool are provided with semi-cylindrical plates or llanges 9b and 92, respectively, which are of sniicient area asto embrace the pipe.

along a considerable portion of the avial extent of the same. Thus the clamping 'action is distributed over a large area of the pipe therebyavoiding crushing or collapsing the relatively thinwalled pipe for-which this tool is speciiically designed.

The tool serves not only to securely grip the pipe and ths enable additional ysections to be removed or applied tbereto'in a conventionalrmannen but also serves Y to support the pipe and prevent it from dropping through the slot 14 when the pipe is lowered into the well bore.

The foregoing isconsidered as illustrative -only of the principles ofl the invention. modications and changes will readily.v occur to' those Vskilled inthe art, it is not desired to limit the invention to the exact construction, and operation shownand de- Y scribed' and accordingly all suitable modifications and equivalents may be resorted to, fallingy withinthe scope of the invention as claimed.` f

What is claimed as new is as follows: l. 'A break-out tool -for pipegstrings comprisinga fbar having an arcuate, laterally bowed mid-portion Vdefining a iXed jaw, arms projecting in substantial alinernent with each otherfro'rn the opposite ends of saidmid-portion, an arcuate movable jaw complementary to and cooperatingwith said liXed jaw for clamping a pipe there-V between, a pivot-connecting said movable jaw at one endthereof to said bar for swingingmovement towards and from the latter, a handle rigidly attached to and Vprojecting from the other end of said movable jawV and lying in spaced relation tosaid bar 'at one side thereof, locking means embracing said handle and pivotally connected tothe adjacent arm Vof said bar and movable betweenloclring and .releasing positionsl for releasably retaininglsaid jaws in' clamping engagement upon a pipe, saidl lockingv means comprising a lever, a link pivoted to said lever and extending transversely of said'handle and Further, sincenumerousj bar, a clip pivoted to said link and embracing said handle. Y

2. The combination of claim l, including adjusting I j meanson said clip engaging said handle for adjusting the closed position of said jaws.

3. VA break-out tool for pipe strings comprising a bar having an arcuate, laterally bowed mid-portion defining a xedjaw, arms projecting in substantial alinement with each other from the opposite ends ot said mid-portion, an arcuate movable jaw complementary to and cooperating with said iixed jaw for clamping a pipe therebetween,

a pivot connecting said movable jaw atl one end thereof to said bar llor swinging movement towards and from the latter, a handle rigidly attached to vand projectingV from the other end of said movable jaw 'and lying in spaced relation to said bar at one side thereof, locking means embracing said handle and pivotally connected to the adjacent arm o said bar and movable betweenV Y, Vlocling and releasing positions for releasably retaining Y therethrough' and with these pinsdening eyes which slidsaid jaws in clamping engagement upon a pipe; said locking means comprising a lever, a link pivoted to said Llever andl extending transversely of said handle and bar, a clip `pivoted to saidlink and embracing said handle, said lever having a biurcated portion by which it is pivoted to and receives therein one end of said link.

4. The combination of claim 3, wherein said lever is pivoted lby itsV bifurcated portion to said adjacent arm of said bar.

5. A break-out tool for pipe strings comprising a barV l havingan arcuate, laterally Vbowed@nid-portion delining Y a fixed jaw, arms projecting in Vsubstantial alinementvwith each other from the oppositerends of said mid-portion, an arcuate movable jaw complementary to and ,cooperating withV said iixedjaw for clamping a pipe therebetween,

v. a pivot connecting said movable jaw at one end thereof to said bar foren/inging movement towards and from the lattena handle rigidly attached to Vand projecting from the other end ot said movable jaw and lying ,in spaced relation to said bar at one side thereof,V locking means embracing' said handle and'pivotally connected to the adjacent arm of said bar and movable between lool;- ing and releasing positions for releasably retainingrsaid jaws in clamping engagement upon arpipe transversely extending support members iXedly connected to the 0pposite ends of said bar. 6, A break-out tool for pipe'strings comprising a bar having an arcuate, laterally bowed mid-portion delining a Xed jaw, arms projecting in substantial alinement with each other from the opposite ends of said mid-portion,

an arcuate movable jaw complementary to and cooperatingwithfsaid Xed jaw for clamping a pipe therebetween, A

a pivot 'connecting said movable jaw at one end thereof to said' bar for swinging movement towards and from the latter, a handle rigidly attached to andrprojecting Y from the other end of Vsaid movable jaw andlying in spaced relation to said barV at one side thereof, locking A means embracing said handle and pivotally connected to the adjacentearm of said bar Vand movable between V`locking and releasing positions for releasablyretaining said jaws in clamping engagement upon 'a pipe, a pair of guide members mounted respectively upon said arms,

said guide members having each a guide means for slid-V able engagement with a substantially stationary'rguide element.

7. The combination o f claim 6, .wherein at least one sociated arm. Y Y

S. YThe combination of claim 7, wherein said last men- Y of said guidernembers movably mounted upon its astioned guide member comprises a sleeveV axially and rotat-V ably movable upon its'associated arm.

9. A break-,out tool for gripping pipe strings comprising an elongated bar having anY arcuate, laterally bowed mid-portion defining a liXe'd jaw, a movable jaw pivoted to said bar and Vcooperating with said lined jaw for clamp-V ing a pipe therebetween, spaced handles disposed in spaced side-by-side relation and each rigidly attached to one ofl said jaws, locking means secured to and extending transversely of said handles for releasably retaining said jaws in gripping engagement upon a pipe, a pair of guide means mounted upon the opposite ends of said bar for sliding and guided engagement with a stationary guide element.

10. The combination of claim 9, wherein at least one of said guide means is movably mounted upon its associated end of said bar.

11. The combination of claim 9 wherein at least one of said guide means comprises a sleeve axially movable upon its associated end of said bar, said sleeve slidably engaging said stationary guide element.

12. The combination of claim 9 wherein at least one of said guide means comprises a sleeve freely axially slidable and rotatable upon its associated end of said bar, said sleeve slidably engaging said guide element.

References Cited in the file of this patent UNITED STATES PATENTS 739,860 Harmon Sept. 29, 1903 746,705 Hutchins Dec. 15, 1903 1,163,213 Chapman Dec. 7, 1915 1,864,864 Smith June 28, 1932 2,217,072 Nixon Oct. 8, 1940 2,281,128 Wilson Apr. 28, 1942 2,617,678 Kelso Nov. 11, 1952 

3. A BREAK-OUT TOOL FOR PIPE STRINGS COMPRISING A BAR HAVING AN ARCUATE, LATERALLY BOWED MID-PORTION DEFINING A FIXED JAW, ARMS PROJECTING IN SUBSTANTIAL ALINEMENT WITH EACH OTHER FROM THE OPPOSITE ENDS OF SAID MID-PORTION, AN ARCUATE MOVABLE JAW COMPLEMENTARY TO AND COOPERATING WITH SAID FIXED JAW FOR CLAMPING A PIPE THEREBETWEEN, A PIVOT CONNECTING SAID MOVABLE JAW AT ONE END THEREOF TO SAID BAR FOR SWINGING MOVEMENT TOWARDS AND FROM THE LATTER, A HANDLE RIGIDLY ATTACHED TO AND PROJECTING FROM THE OTHER END OF SAID MOVABLE JAW AND LYING IN SPACED RELATION TO SAID BAR AT ONE SIDE THEREOF, LOCKING MEANS EMBRACING SAID HANDLE AND PIVOTALLY CONNECTED TO THE ADJACENT ARM OF SAID BAR AND MOVABLE BETWEEN LOCKING AND RELEASING POSITIONS FOR RELEASABLY RETAINING SAID JAWS IN CLAMPING ENGAGEMENT UPON A PIPE, SAID LOCKING MEANS COMPRISING A LEVER, A LINK PIVOTED TO SAID LEVER AND EXTENDING TRANSVERSELY OF SAID HANDLE AND BAR, A CLIP PIVOTED TO SAID LINK AND EMBRACING SAID HANDLE, SAID LEVER HAVING A BIFURCATED PORTION BY WHICH IT IS PIVOTED TO AND RECEIVES THEREIN ONE END OF SAID LINK. 